Traffic sigetal



Feb; '16-; 1926. o. R. STRAWN TRAFFI G S IGNAL Filed June 20. 1923 Patented Feb. 16, 1926.

OBVAL R. STRAVIN, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

Application filed June 20, 1923. Serial No. 646,499.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ORVAL R. STRAWN, a citizen of the United States, residing at C0- lumbus, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Traffic Signals, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention is directed to improvements in signals for motor vehicles.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a signal of this character so constructed that it can be easily and quickly attached to a vehicle, the signal being capable of being illuminated so as to be discernible at night to enable drivers of adjacent cars and pedestrians to be notified as to the intended movements of the car equipped with the signal.

A further object of the invention is to provide a signal so constructed that drivers and pedestrians in advance or in the rear of the vehicle will be notified as to the movements of the vehicle equipped with the device in the day time or at night.

lVith these and other objects in view, as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consistsin the novel features of construction; combinations of elements and arrangement of parts, hereinafter to be fully described and pointed out in the appended claim.

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the signal.

Figure 2 is a rear elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is a detail longitudinal sectional view through the device.

V Figure 4 is a sectional view on line i e of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail sectional view to more clearly illustrate the joint.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 1 designates the signal in its entirety and is designed to be secured to the side rail of a wind shield 2 of a motor vehicle, the manner of attachment and adjustment being the same as that disclosed in my Patent No. 1,426,017, August 15, 1922, therefore a detail description thereof is not thought necessary.

The signal is in the nature of a semaphore and comprises a sleeve 3 to the inner end of which is secured a tube 4; through which the circuit wires 5 pass for connection with the socket 6 located in said sleeve and in which is mounted the incandescent bulb 7. The wires 5 lead from a suitable source of elec- "trical energy and the illumination of the bulb may be controlled through a suitable switch (not shown) for timing the illumination of the signal in its various positions for night service.

The outer end of the sleeve 3 has a collar 8 located therein and having a reversely bent wall 9 said wall having its forward edge formed with a rim 9. The forward edge of the collar is turned to provide an annib lar groove 10 for receiving the periphery of the condensing lens 11 tb hold the same suitably spaced from the bulb 7 so that the light rays therefrom will be projected into the semaphore.

The outer end of the sleeve 3 is provided with an annular flange 12, the purpose of which will appear later.

The semaphore further comprises a pair of complementary side frames 13 in which are formed longitudinal openings let, said frames having their rear ends formed with semi-circular plates 15, the rear ends of which terminate in channel members 16 which are adapted to receive the annular rim 9' of the collar so that when the side frames are clamped with the translucent plates 17 therebetween, by the rivets 18 or the like, said frames will be held firmly connected with the sleeve 3 and collar 8. The translucent plates 17 may be suitably colored, preferably red, and are curved transversely as clearly shown in Figure 4 of the drawing, and are tapered longitudinally, the minor ends of which being located at the outer ends of the frames 13, whereby when the semaphore is illuminated, the same will not only be discernible from the front and rear of the vehicle but also from the side thereof owing to the fact that the plates 17 protrude through the openings 14- and are of tapered formation. This end is obtained owing to the presence of the plates 15 which when confronting, form a complete circle at their point of juncture with the sleeve In order to more firmly unite the plates 15, the sleeve 3 and the collar 8, a split clamping ring 19 is engaged with the joint formed by the flange 12 and channel member 16, as more clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawing. It will be obvious that when the bulb 7 is illuminated, the rays thereby passing through the lens 11 will effectively illuminate the signal for the entire length of the translucent plates 17.

hat is claimed is:

A traiiic signal comprising a sleeve, means channels for engagement with said flange,

a collar located in the sleeve and having an annular rim for engaging the channels of said frames, a clamping ring engaged with the joint formed by the channel and run,

translucent plates clamped between the said frames and disposed in spaced relation, a lens carried by the collar, a lighting element in the sleeve, the rays from Which pass through-the lens to the space between the plates, and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony Whereof I affix my signature.

ORVAL R. STRAWN. 

